New legislation was passed in Westminster this week to allow schools in the UK to keep spare adrenaline auto-injectors for emergency use.

This legislation comes into effect from 1 October 2017.

A public consultation conducted by the Department of Health this year also found overwhelming support for a change in the law to allow schools to hold spare Auto Injectors for Allergies, without a prescription, for use in emergencies.

“The rise in food allergy among young people is posing a significant risk for schools who can be faced with a life-threatening situation requiring urgent action... Schools can now purchase the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, without a prescription. While not compulsory, we hope many schools will take advantage of this change as part of their duty of care to those children who are at risk of anaphylaxis. This is likely to increase awareness and highlight the need for staff to be trained to recognise and treat anaphylaxis in school."